Selling computers to students poses problems for schools

A new state law allows schools to sell old computers to students, but local school administrators said tough budget realities mean students should probably look elsewhere.

Matthew AlbrightStaff Writer

A new state law allows schools to sell old computers to students, but local school administrators said tough budget realities mean students should probably look elsewhere.Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes each have about 7,500 desktop computers circulating in their school systems. When those computers are pulled out of service, school districts are required to either send them to other state agencies or to a state recycling program.The new law gives schools a third option — sell the computers to students seeking cheap, old computers.But local school technology supervisors said tight fiscal times mean opportunities to set up such a sale will be rare.“We basically use a computer until it’s broken,” said Ben Gautreaux, IT manager for Lafourche schools. “By the time we’re getting rid of it, it’s not just obsolete. It’s usually not even functional.”Chris Babin, network administrator for Terrebonne schools, said his system seldom has usable spare computers either.“We almost never end up with used machines because we cannibalize parts for other computers,” Babin said. “Usually what you see is a pile of rummaged parts.” Babin said almost all his parish’s school computer equipment ends up going to the Capital Area Corporate Recycling Council, where it is recycled for minerals.Even if school districts found themselves with spare computers on hand, some officials said selling them to students could present logistical problems.“I know this is something the state has sent down to us, but I have a problem with this,” said Terrebonne School Board member L.P. Bordelon, as he voted against allowing such sales at a board meeting Tuesday. “I think it’s going to be cumbersome for us to try to figure out who gets these computers and who doesn’t.”Babin said there are other ways for people to get their hands on equipment elsewhere in state government.While most local agencies run their computers until they are no longer functional, Babin said that’s not always the case with larger state agencies, which sometimes send lightly-used equipment — or, in some cases, equipment that hasn’t been used at all — to the Capital Area Corporate Recycling Council.The organization also takes computers from corporate donors, who often replace them more frequently than the state.“If you’re looking to get computer equipment cheap from a state surplus, they’re the place to go,” he said. “I’ve seen basically new monitors there that you can get for $20.”CACRC offers special programs for low-income families who can’t otherwise afford computer equipment. They also offer special deals for college students and K-12 students who don’t have computers at home. You can download an application for equipment at cacrc.com.CACRC also offers discount computer equipment for sale online at store.cacrc.com.

Staff Writer Matthew Albright can be reached at 448-7635 or at matthew.albright@dailycomet.com.